Wednesday, January 8, 2020

6 Airbnb Cooking Experiences to Try in 2020

Forget those traditional stuffy cooking classes; these Airbnb Cooking Experiences invite you into local homes to learn local food culture and make the perfect vacation experience for an adventurous foodie.

Late last year, Airbnb unveiled Airbnb Cooking Experiences, a series of intimate local cooking classes as part of the larger Experiences arm, which the brand introduced several years ago. The travel disruptor has offered curated local food experiences before, but this new niche category of bookable classes and workshops is focused specifically on experiential cooking at the hands of local cooks, pro chefs, families, farmers, and others with intimate knowledge of traditional cuisine.

know before you goHow To Avoid a Tourist Trap Restaurant on VacationThe experiences, which include popular existing experiences, along with some new additions, can be paired with lodging in many of Airbnb’s most popular cities like London, Tokyo, and Paris, and are aimed at curious and culinary-minded travelers wanting to learn about local food culture and cooking in an organic, hands-on environment. You can also feel good about injecting tourism dollars into the hyper-local economy, and with Airbnb’s comprehensive detailed descriptions and ratings/reviews system, you can get a good sense of what you’re getting before you book.

From Pasta-Making with a Nonna in Rome to the Basics of Uzbeki Cooking in Brooklyn, there seems to be something interesting on the stove no matter where your travels take you. Here are six new Airbnb cooking experiences we can’t wait to try in 2020.

Cooking with Critters – Los Angeles, California

Airbnb

In this introduction to cooking with bugs with the founder of Eat Bug Events, you’ll learn out how easy it is to inject insects into your everyday diet. Explore recipes like cricket powder pancakes, mealworm mini-pizzas, termite-stuffed tomatoes, and more. Begin with a brief introduction to the wonderful world of bugs including sustainability, nutrition, how to cook bugs, what a cricket farm is along with a guided cooking demonstration of one to three easy bug dishes. Kid-friendly and perfect for families.Buy Now

Related Reading: Unique Food & Drink Experiences to Gift This Year

Soba Noodle Making in a Traditional Home – Tokyo, Japan

Airbnb

Learn to make deliciously chewy buckwheat soba noodles in a Tokyo home from Hide, a jack-of-all-trades who’s been teaching soba-making for five years. Making perfect soba requires skill with a recipe so sensitive, it changes based on the weather and season and after you make your soba you’ll cook and eat it for lunch or dinner, depending on the time you book. You can even add on a traditional green tea ceremony or calligraphy lesson.Buy Now

Ancient Cooking Customs of Mexico – Mexico City, Mexico

Airbnb

This experience is as much about history as it is about food, and begins with an introduction to pre-hispanic life in Mexico around the times of the Mayan, and Aztec civilizations. You’ll explore the ancient cooking tools like the molcajete and metate and how to use them to make fresh salsas by hand. You’ll also make tortillas (by hand), mole, and camote/carrots tacos, and even a traditional Mexican salad.Buy Now

Related Reading: Chowhound Christmas Gift Guide 2019: Last Minute Food & Drink Subscriptions

Pastry Making in Montmartre – Paris, France

Airbnb

In this sweet experience with a former pastry chef for Joel Robuchon and a graduate of the prestigious pastry school École LENÔTRE, you’ll learn the art of French pastry with a two-hour hands-on lesson in the Montmartre neighborhood of Paris. Start with the classic French pâte à choux (choux pastry), learning both theory and practice. After, move to the sitting room to share your creations over good tea and conversation.Buy Now

Cacao Dishes from Fruit to Bar – London, UK

Airbnb

Upon arrival to this cacao-centric experience, led by Paola, a 15-year culinary veteran, you’ll be invited to make a cocktail as you learn about “spherification,” a technique developed by famed El Bulli restaurant, and get your first taste of the cacao fruit. Then move to a table, where your tasting menu begins. As dinner progresses, learn about this bountiful fruit and all its sub-products, from the pulp to the seed, cocoa butter, cocoa mass and of course, chocolate.Buy Now

Related Reading: How to Eat, Drink, and Live Like a Queen in London

Home-Cooked Flavours of Singapore – Singapore

Airbnb

Ruqxana is a self-described cat lover, personal chef, food sorceress, and cooking teacher. She runs classes in her home kitchen in Siglap, Singapore as she has for the past 18 years. In this 3-hour experience with changing menus, you’re likely to learn cuisine as diverse as the country itself which may include a combination of Singapore, Indian, Malay, Chinese, Peranakan/Nonya, Eurasian, Indonesian, Thai, and Sri Lankan recipes.Buy Now

Related Reading: Try Eatwith for Even More Local Food Experiences, Classes & Tours



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How to Make Croutons

It's easy to make homemade croutons for your soup or salad with day-old bread. No need to turn on the oven; you can make these croutons in about 10 minutes on the stovetop.

Continue reading "How to Make Croutons" »



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The 9 Best Skillets of 2020

A high-quality skillet is a must-have in the kitchen. This core piece of cookware will allow you to whip up a wide range of dishes, from scrambled eggs to seared steak and everything in between. However, because they’re such a popular piece of equipment, there are hundreds of skillets to choose from, ranging in price from less than $15 to more than $100.

If you’re wondering which skillet will suit your needs, here’s our list of the best skillets you can buy today:

What to Consider When Buying a Skillet

There are a few key factors you’ll want to consider when purchasing a new skillet—also called a fry pan or frying pan. Perhaps most importantly, skillets are made from a number of materials, including stainless steel, cast iron, and aluminum. They also come with various finishes, including nonstick Teflon or porcelain enamel.

Naturally, there are pros and cons to each of these materials: Aluminum is inexpensive and conducts heat well, but it warps easily. Stainless steel is more durable, but isn’t as good of a heat conductor. Cast iron has unbeatable heat retention, but it’s quite heavy and can be tricky to maintain. You’ll want to weigh these factors and decide which material is best for your lifestyle and cooking needs.

Additionally, you’ll need to choose a skillet size—8- and 10-inch models are the most popular, but you can find larger and smaller ones, too. Finally, don’t forget to look for a skillet with a lid if you regularly cook recipes that need to be covered.

We took all these factors into account as we scoured the internet, looking for the best possible skillets. The following list was created using info from professional tests, product specs, and hundreds of user reviews. With that in mind, here are the best skillets to add to your cookware arsenal.

Related Reading: Is This Really a Perfect Pan? Plus More of Chowhound’s Most-Discussed Cookware

Best Overall: All-Clad Stainless Steel Fry Pan with Lid, $114.95 from Amazon

Amazon

Without a doubt, one of the best skillets you can buy right now is this stainless steel model from All-Clad. The 12-inch fry pan is made from triple-ply stainless steel, and it has a thick-gauge aluminum core to improve its conductivity. This pan is ideal for searing, browning, pan-frying, and more, and it even comes with a lid to help lock in moisture.

This stainless steel skillet has a flat bottom and flared sides, making it easy to toss foods or flip them with a spatula. The polished cooking surface has a starburst finish that’s stick-resistant and easy to clean, and the skillet is oven- and broiler-safe up to 600 degrees. All-Clad offers a limited lifetime warranty on this pan, which reviewers call an unbeatable investment and a workhorse in the kitchen.

Buy Now

Best Budget: T-fal Heatmaster Nonstick Fry Pan, $15.50 from Amazon

Amazon

You don’t necessarily have to shell out big bucks to get a high-quality skillet. A prime example: this budget-friendly fry pan from T-fal gets consistently high marks from reviewers thanks to its long-lasting nonstick finish, impressive performance, and unbeatable low price.

The 10-inch pan is made from aluminum but has a stainless steel base that makes it induction-compatible. It’s finished with a scratch-resistant nonstick coating that’s even safe to use with metal utensils—that’s how durable it is! Plus, the fry pan boasts T-fal’s unique Thermo-Spot technology: a red circle in the middle of the pan that changes color when the cookware is perfectly preheated.

The T-fal skillet can be washed in the dishwasher, and it’s oven-safe up to 350 degrees. Overall, it’s one of the best budget picks for both novice and experienced home chefs.

Buy Now

Best Cast Iron: Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, 10-¼ in, $14.88 from Amazon

Amazon

Cast iron is a popular material among chefs because of its unbeatable heat retention, which makes it ideal for tasks like searing steak or evenly browning meats. If you’re in the market for a new cast iron skillet, the obvious choice is this product from Lodge, which boasts more than 12,000 5-star reviews. It comes in a wide range of sizes, starting as small as 3.5 inches and going all the way up to 15 inches, and the prices are quite affordable—a 10-¼ inch skillet is just $15, for example.

Lodge, a company that’s been around since the 1800s, makes its traditional cast iron in the U.S., and the pans comes pre-seasoned with 100 percent vegetable oil—not synthetic coatings or chemicals. Its cast iron skillets can be used on any heat source, including induction cooktops and open grills, and when cared for properly, these pans will last for decades. Reviewers can’t say enough good things about these skillets, writing that they can be used for a wide range of kitchen tasks and you won’t regret purchasing one.

Buy Now

Best Nonstick: Tramontina Commercial 10″ Nonstick Restaurant Fry Pan, $29.65 at Walmart

Tramontina

If you’re looking to expand your collection of nonstick fry pans, one of the best out there is the Tramontina Commercial model, which comes in 8-, 10-, 12-, and 14-inch sizes. This fry pan is made from an aluminum alloy and reinforced with a nonstick coating, ensuring that cleanup will be effortless, no matter what you’re cooking.

This heavy-gauge skillet has a rivet stainless steel handle and a removable silicone sleeve, and it’s oven-safe up to 400 degrees without the silicone grip. The pan can be washed in the dishwasher, but you can also wash it quickly by hand, thanks to the efficiency of its nonstick finish. Reviewers say it heats up quickly and cooks food evenly, but several warn not to use metal utensils on the delicate finish, as it scratches easily.

Buy Now

Best Carbon Steel: Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan, $69 from Made In

Made In

Carbon steel is a hybrid of cast iron and stainless steel that delivers the best of both materials. It’s light and cooks quickly like stainless steel, yet it has cast iron’s heat retention and natural seasoning. This Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan from Made In will quickly become your go-to pan in the kitchen thanks to its unmatched performance—just check out the hundreds of positive reviews!

This skillet is made from 2mm blue carbon steel, and it has exceptional heat capacity, warming up quickly and maintaining the proper temperature. It’s oven-safe up to 1,200 degrees (and we doubt you’ll be cooking that high), and there are no synthetic coatings—just a natural heat treatment to help prevent rust.

Buy Now

Best Design: Le Creuset Signature Cast-Iron Skillet, $99.96 from Sur La Table

Sur La Table

It’s hard to beat the classic design and high-end performance of Le Creuset cookware, including its Signature Cast-Iron Skillet. Not only will these pans help you sear steak and brown meat flawlessly, but they also come in a beautiful array of colors that will look simply stunning on your kitchen counter.

These 10-¼ inch skillets are made from cast iron and have a durable enamel construction to protect both the inside and outside of the pan. They have sloped sides to make it easier to pour off fat, and the matte-enamel interior is easier to care for than traditional cast iron—there’s no seasoning needed, and it’s even dishwasher safe. Plus, the pan comes in a rainbow of hues, from orange to purple and every color in between.

Buy Now

Best with Lid: Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick 12-Inch Skillet with Glass Cover, $30.99 from Amazon

Amazon

Many recipes call for you to cover your skillet while the food cooks, which is why a lid often comes in handy. The Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Skillet comes with a matching glass cover, letting you seal in moisture as you cook while still monitoring your food.

This skillet is 12 inches in diameter, and it’s made of hard-anodized aluminum, which is harder than stainless steel and incredibly durable. The interior is coated with a nonstick finish, and the sloped sides maximize your cooking surface while allowing for easy flipping. The pan is oven-safe to 500 degrees, and it comes with a limited lifetime warranty, to boot. Reviewers say this pan is heavy-duty and a breeze to clean, and several say their pans have lasted for several years with proper care.

Buy Now

Best Set: All-Clad Nonstick 8- and 10-Inch Fry Pan Cookware Set, $59.95 from Amazon

Amazon

Can’t decide which size skillet to get? Why not get two? This fry pan set from All-Clad comes with 8- and 10-inch models, giving you two popular sizes for one affordable price. They’re made from thick hard-anodized aluminum that heats quickly and resists warping, and the nonstick coating ensures cleanup will be quick and easy every time.

The two pans have wide, flat bases and a low-profile shape, and they can be used on all types of heat sources. The stainless steel handles are contoured so they fit comfortably in your hand, and the skillets are oven-safe up to 500 degrees. All-Clad protects their pans with a limited lifetime warranty, and reviewers call them the best nonstick pans they’ve ever used, writing that they’re easy to clean and impressively durable.

Buy Now

Best Electric: De’Longhi Electric Skillet with Glass Lid, $39 from Amazon

Amazon

Electric skillets are more like a small appliance than traditional cookware. Products like the De’Longhi Electric Skillet plug into an electrical outlet, allowing you to cook in them without a heating element. This can be extremely helpful if you need an additional cooking surface or don’t have a stove available.

This electric skillet sports an extra-large nonstick cooking surface, as well as a tempered glass lid. The base distributes heat evenly to avoid hot spots, and it includes a detachable thermostat to help cook your food to exact temperatures. Reviewers love that this skillet is large enough to cook several pieces of meat at once, and many love how well it regulates temperature and how easy it is to clean.

Buy Now

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The 8 Best Cookware Sets of 2020

Whether you’re moving into your first house, replacing old pots and pans, or simply shopping for a housewarming gift, you can’t go wrong buying a full set of cookware. This ensures you’ll have all the essential equipment to whip up a delicious meal, and as an added bonus, your collection of pots and pans will look beautifully cohesive.

However, there are so many cookware sets to choose from, ranging from under $100 to close to $1,000. It can be a tough choice, especially if you’re not familiar with common cookware brands. To help make your decision a little easier, here are some of our absolute favorite cookware sets that you can buy today:

What to Look For When Buying a Cookware Set

There are a number of factors you’ll want to consider when shopping for cookware. First of all, there’s the choice of material. Cookware is commonly made from aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron, copper, or a combination of several materials, and each type of metal has its pros and cons.

Related Reading: How to Clean Cast Iron

For example, aluminum pieces are typically less expensive, but they’re also less durable. Stainless steel can withstand more heavy use, but it costs more and isn’t as great at conducting heat (which is why stainless steel pans often have an aluminum core).

You’ll also want to think about what pieces you need—if you already have a stockpot you love, for example, you might want to look for a set without one to save a little money. Further, make sure to carefully look at what’s included in each set, as some brands try to “inflate” the number of pieces by including small utensils like spoons and spatulas that you might already own.

Other important considerations include the type of stove you have—for instance, not all cookware works on induction burners—as well as how you plan to use the pieces. Some cookware is dishwasher- and oven-safe, while other sets need to be cared for by hand.

Related Reading: 8 Cardinal Cookware Sins You Don’t Realize You’re Committing

We’ve taken all these factors into account as we hand-selected the following cookware sets. After completing hours of research, reading product reviews, comparing brands, and taking a deep dive into each item’s reviews, we’re confident these product recommendations are the best you can buy today.

Best Overall: All-Clad D3 Tri-Ply Bonded 10-Piece Cookware Set, $674.96 on Amazon

Amazon

If you want the absolute best cookware set, no matter the price, arguably the best option is this 10-piece set from All-Clad. While it’s not cheap, this set of stainless steel cookware will last for the rest of your life (if taken care of properly), making it a worthwhile investment for home chefs.

This set includes both 8- and 10-inch frying pans, 2- and 3-quart saucepans with lids, a 3-quart saute pan with lid, and an 8-quart stockpot with lid. All the pieces are made from three-ply stainless steel with a thick-gauge aluminum core for better conduction and more even heat distribution, and they feature riveted stainless steel handles. The pots and pans are warp-resistant, induction-compatible, dishwasher-safe, and oven-safe up to 600 degrees (without their lids).

These products are made in the U.S. and come with a limited lifetime warranty. Reviewers say they heat evenly and look beautiful—most agree that they’re 100 percent worth the investment!

Buy Now

Best Under $100: T-fal Titanium Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set, $96.20 on Amazon

Amazon

For those outfitting their first home, a budget-friendly cookware set might be more practical. In this case, you can’t go wrong with the 10-piece nonstick set from T-fal. This brand is known for its affordable prices, and this set has everything a novice chef needs to get started in the kitchen.

With this bundle, you get both 8- and 9-inch frying pans, 1- and 2-quart saucepans, a 3-quart deep saute pan, a 5-quart Dutch oven, four glass lids, a slotted spatula, and a solid spoon. The cookware is made from aluminum and features the company’s “Titanium Advanced” nonstick finish to ensure your eggs always slide right out.

Additionally, the pans feature a “thermospot temperature indicator” that shows when the pan is preheated to the proper temperature—it’s a helpful hack for those just starting out with cooking. Plus, reviewers rave about the quality and performance of these wallet-friendy pans, writing that the cookware “really does make you a better cook.”

Buy Now

Best Under $200: Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set, $197.99 on Amazon

Amazon

Cuisinart offers quality mid-priced cookware, and many people have good things to say about the 12-piece set from this brand. The pots and pans have a classic, elegant appearance and come with a variety of features that will make your time in the kitchen that much more enjoyable.

This set comes with 1.5- and 3-quart saucepans with lids, 8- and 10-inch open skillets, a 3.5-quart saute pan and lid, an 8-quart stockpot and lid, as well as a steamer insert and matching lid. The pans are made with a pure aluminum core, triple-ply stainless steel walls, and a beautiful brushed finish. The rims are tapered for drip-free pouring, and the cookware has “Heat Surround” technology that allows for even heat distribution along the sides and walls—so say goodbye to hot spots!

The Cuisinart set is dishwasher- and oven-safe up to 550 degrees, and it can be used on induction cookware. According to reviewers, these pots and pans will last for years if you take care of them properly, and many say they perform as well as other high-end stainless steel pans.

Buy Now

Best Nonstick: Cuisinart GreenGourmet Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set, $184.19 on Amazon

Amazon

No one loves scrubbing burnt food off the bottom of their favorite skillet, which is why nonstick cookware is so popular. The nonstick pots and pans in this 12-piece set from Cuisinart are incredibly easy to care for, as pretty much all food will slide right off the scratch-resistant, ceramic-based nonstick coating. They’re made from hard-anodized aluminum to ensure even heat distribution and eliminate hot spots, and they’re oven-safe to 400 degrees.

This set includes an 8-inch skillet, 10-inch frying pan with lid, 1.5- and 2.5-quart saucepans with lids, a 3-quart “everyday” pan with lid, a 6-quart Dutch oven with lid, and a steamer insert. Because the set is part of Cuisinart’s GreenGourmet line, the products feature an eco-friendly nonstick coating and the handles are made from 70 percent recycled steel.

Buy Now

Best Stainless Steel: Tramontina 8-Piece Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Clad Cookware Set, $149.95 from Walmart

Walmart

Stainless steel pans are undeniably pretty, and they also deliver in terms of performance, as this metal is incredibly durable. If you’re partial to stainless steel, you’ll like this 8-piece cookware set from Tramontina, as it provides unbeatable heat diffusion and durability.

In this set, you’ll find 8- and 10-inch frying pans, 5- and 3-quart saucepans with lids and a 5-quart Dutch oven with lid. The cookware is made from triple-ply stainless steel and features riveted, ergonomic handles. All of the pieces can be put in the dishwasher and are oven-safe up to 500 degrees. Plus, their precision-fitted lids help to lock in flavor, and reviewers you can’t beat this set for price and performance.

Buy Now

Best Copper: Calphalon Tri-Ply Copper 10-Piece Cookware Set, $239.99 on Amazon

Calphalon copper cookware

Amazon

This collection of copper cookware from Calphalon will look absolutely stunning in your kitchen—and their performance is nothing to scoff at, either! The set includes 8- and 10-inch frypans, 1.5- and 2.5-quart saucepans with lids, a 3-quart saute pan with lid, and a 6-quart stock pot with lid.

These pieces feature a lustrous brushed copper exterior and satin stainless steel interiors and lids, and they have an inner aluminum core for superior heat conduction. The riveted handles are designed to be ergonomic and resist heat, and all the pans features flared rings for easier pouring. You can put these pieces of cookware in the oven or broiler, but they don’t work with induction cooktops and shouldn’t be put in the dishwasher. People absolutely rave about the beautiful appearance of these Calphalon pans, but be warned that copper cookware requires more maintenance than your average stainless steel pan.

Buy Now

Best Cast Iron: Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Bundle, $79.95 on Amazon

Amazon

Cast iron is ideal for searing, braising, roasting, and more, so this five-piece cast iron bundle from Lodge will get plenty of use in your kitchen. It includes a 10.5-inch griddle, 8- and 10.25-inch skillets, a 5-quart Dutch oven, and a lid that fits on the larger skillet and the Dutch oven.

All of the pieces are pre-seasoned with 100 percent vegetable oil, and they need to be hand-washed and dried to maintain the integrity of the seasoning. Reviewers say that every piece in this set is high-quality, and many note that five pieces for less than $80 is a bargain.

Buy Now

Best for Small Kitchens: Calphalon Premier Space-Saving Nonstick 6-Piece Set, $399.99

Amazon

A large collection of cookware can quickly take over your kitchen cabinets, and if you live in a smaller home or apartment, the Space-Saving collection from Calphalon will be your best friend. These pans are specially designed to stack together neatly, taking up 30 percent less space.

This six-piece set includes 8- and 10-inch fry pans, a 3.5-quart pour and strain saucepan with cover, as well as a 3-quart saute pan with cover. The pans are made from hard-anodized aluminum with a nonstick finish, and what’s unique is that they’re metal utensil-friendly—there are multiple layers of the nonstick finish to resist scratching when they’re stacked. The pieces have stainless steel handles, and you can pop them in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Buyers say these pans “exceeded expectations,” performing beautifully and saving space in the cupboard.

Buy Now

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A Vegan Mac and Cheese That’s Just as Comforting as the Original

There’s something invariably nostalgic about spooning into a tray of homemade mac and cheese, the steam slowly escaping and the cheese effortlessly clinging to the elbow noodles. But for many people, digging into macaroni and cheese no longer proves a simple feat: Perhaps they’re lactose intolerant, or have moved to a plant-based diet, or simply are looking to cut back on cheese. 

Related Reading: Vegan Cookbooks That Will Make You Love Plant-Based Cuisine

Vegan Mac and Cheese: More than 50 Delicious Plant-Based Recipes for the Ultimate Comfort Food, $12.59 on Amazon

Buy Now

But despite what diet (or lifestyle) you might be on, it’s definitely still possible to enjoy the warm, comforting classic. Robin Robertson’s cookbook is geared toward this iconic dish, aptly named “Vegan Mac & Cheese.” The chef, cooking teacher, and writer has long dabbled in the vegan, vegetarian, and plant-based sphere, so she knows a thing or two about transforming those dairy-packed dishes into delicious vegan versions. 

Robin’s cookbook is filled with 50 recipes, all riffs on the classic mac and cheese. You’ll find recipes for pasta packed with a creamy spinach-artichoke dip, a play on shepherd’s pie where meat is swapped for lentils, and even crispy fried mac and cheese balls.

Zelancio Cookware 3-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Casserole Dish with Lid, $45.99 on Amazon

Buy Now

But for those who are looking to simply veganify the classic dish, start at Robin’s recipe for Mom’s Baked Mac Uncheese. The cooking process remains the same, albeit with a few key changes. Dairy butter and milk are replaced with vegan butter and your preferred unsweetened non-dairy milk, and the sauce is swapped with nutritional yeast (a cheesy-like powder). To finish it off, Robin employs a trick her mother taught her: Crush Ritz crackers with paprika and vegan butter—a DIY breadcrumb—and scatter it atop the pasta to bake. It’s savory, salty, and sweet, and just as comforting as the original.

Excerpted from Vegan Mac & Cheese by Robin Robertson (Harvard Common Press). Copyright © 2019. 

Mom’s Baked Mac UnCheese Recipe

My mother used to make a delicious baked macaroni and cheese topped with (accidentally vegan) Ritz cracker crumbs and paprika. The sauce began with a roux to make a rich béchamel and was baked to perfection.

Note: The texture of this baked casserole is meant to be firm, not saucy. The optional shredded vegan cheese makes the sauce richer, but it’s delicious without it.

Mom’s Baked Mac UnCheese

Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • 16 ounces (454 g) elbow macaroni
  • Olive oil or vegan butter, for preparing the baking dish
  • 4 tablespoons (56 g) vegan butter
  • 1/4 cup (31 g) all-purpose flour
  • 5 cups (1.2 L) plain unsweetened nondairy milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup (20 g) nutritional yeast, plus more as needed
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup (112 g) shredded vegan cheese (optional)
  • 1 cup (72 g) finely crushed Ritz crackers
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) melted vegan butter
Instructions
  1. To make the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch (23 × 33 cm) baking dish with olive oil or vegan butter. Set aside.
  3. To make the sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  4. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking, for 2 minutes. Whisk in the milk. Add the salt. Simmer, whisking occasionally, until thick, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add the nutritional yeast, mustard, onion powder, and pepper and whisk until smooth. Cook for 5 minutes until thick. Reduce the heat to low. Taste and adjust the seasoning, as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add as much of the 1 cup (240 ml) of reserved cooking water, as desired.
  6. Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir to combine.
  7. In a small bowl, stir together the cracker crumbs, paprika, and melted butter to combine.
  8. To finish: Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, top with the cracker crumb mixture, and bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.


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Is This Really a ‘Perfect Pan’? Plus More of Chowhound’s Most-Discussed Cookware

There are a lot of cookware brands to sort through these days and it’s hard to know where to begin. Chowhounds often take to the message boards to discuss the latest cookware innovation or to praise a Dutch oven, stockpot or cast iron skillet they’ve recently discovered or have been relying on for years.

Related Reading: Chowhound’s 100 Most-Discussed Cookware, Cookbooks & Kitchen Products Ever

If you’re in the market for cookware and trying to figure out what’s worth your hard-earned cash or which pieces will best suit your specific cooking needs, don’t hesitate to start a discussion of your own and source opinions from our vast network of curious home chefs.

In the meantime, here are the top 25 most-discussed and mentioned pieces of cookware on Chowhound.

Staub Perfect Pan, $129.96 on Sur La Table

Sur La Table

Perfect? Well, it’s wide enough to sauté with reckless abandon, deep enough to pan-fry without oiling up the entire kitchen, and the enameled cast iron allows for high, even heat distribution, and easy cleanup. Oh, and did I mention it looks beautiful? So yeah, you could say this highly-versatile pan has earned its title.Buy Now

Demeyere 5-Plus 11-Inch Fry Pan, $119.95 on Amazon

Amazon

The price tag may seem a bit high for a frying pan, but Demeyere is one of the brands pro chefs and experienced home cooks absolutely swear by. The 5-ply (five layers of metal) means it’s not only dense and conductive, but also strong and resistant to warping, so in a decade when the pan is still in good shape, it may not seem like such a crazy price.Buy Now

Kamadosan Clay Rice Cooker, $129.50 on Amazon

Amazon

I can’t stop looking at this rice cooker and I want one in every room.Buy Now

Le Creuset Hard-Anodized Nonstick Fry Pan, $142.99 at Macy’s

Bloomingdale’s

You definitely want a good nonstick skillet in your cupboard but you don’t need to pay much more than $100. That’s because inevitably the nonstick surface will wear out and you’ll have to replace it, but the better quality—like this toughened deep fry pan from French legacy brand Le Creuset—the longer it’ll last. (Especially if you treat it right).Buy Now

Scanpan 10-Inch Nonstick Fry Pan, $99.95 on Amazon

Amazon

Here’s an example of a slightly less expensive nonstick pan that’ll still get the job done. It may not be quite as tough as the Le Creuset, but it’s still made from reinforced aluminum, and a toxin-free nonstick coating for easy cooking, and cleanup.Buy Now

Staub Small Rustic Cocottes (set of 3), $59.96 on Sur La Table

Sur La Table

If you’re a serial host or hostess, you should have these eye-catching cocottes on hand for French onion soups, stews, and desserts like soufflé. They double as serving dishes for sides, and sauces and are available in white, red, and this rustic turquoise.Buy Now

All-Clad d3 Stainless Steel Weeknight Pan, $129.96 on Sur La Table

Sur La Table

Another versatile “any day” pan with a wide surface for searing and sautéing and high, sloped sides for sauces and stews.Buy Now

Staub 6-Quart Round Cocotte, $309.95 on Sur La Table

Sur La Table

The kind of cookware you leave out on the stove because it’s so fun to use but also it’s just so darn pretty. Enameled cast iron is easy to cook with, easy to clean, and perfect for stews, soups, braises, and other one-pot meals.Buy Now

NordicWare Baking Sheets (set of 3), $32 on Amazon

Amazon

Ever buy a baking sheet and after four or five uses it starts to bend worse than a politician? Not these. Encapsulated galvanized steel means they are strong like bull, and fully worth the little bit of extra change.Buy Now

Cuisinart 6-Quart Stainless Saute with Cover, $69.95 on Amazon

Amazon

This Cuisinart sauté pan comes in at a slightly lower price point then some on our list but you can still count on even heat distribution and durability from this bonded steel pan with tempered glass lid.Buy Now

Staub Ceramic Baking Dish, $24.95 on Sur La Table

Sur La Table

A reasonably-priced Staub baking dish for sweet and savory purposes in a charming, retro pastel hue.Buy Now

De Buyer Copper Skillet, $166 on Amazon

Amazon

Copper cookware—besides being so darn pretty—is for precision cooking. It conducts heat as fast as anything but loses it quickly too making it ideal for delicate proteins you don’t want to overcook or melting chocolate and caramel. You may not use it every day or for everything, but if you can slide one into your arsenal you’ll be happy to have it.Buy Now

Related Reading: How to Care for Copper Cookware

Le Creuset 1.5-Quart Braiser, $159.96 on Sur La Table

Sur La Table

Smaller than a Dutch oven, this cast iron beauty is perfect for braising meats and veggies but shallow enough for a sear too. And it comes in all the beautiful colors of the Le Creuset rainbow.Buy Now

Demeyere Proline 11-Inch Stainless Fry Pan, $200 on Bed Bath & Beyond

Bed Bath & Beyond

An 11-inch surface is as much as you’re likely to need for most pan jobs, and this is one of the better options if you can spring for it. Seven, count ’em, seven layers (most good brands use five) of metal alloy means it’s going to take a small army and a lot of use for this thing to show any real wear or warping. In fact, it comes with a 20-year manufacturer’s warranty from the century-old cookware brand!Buy Now

Tramontina 8-Piece Tri-Ply Stainless Cookware Set, $149.95 on Walmart

Walmart

For the price point, this 8-piece cookware set receives high marks in verified purchases. It includes the essentials like two different sized frying pans, a sauté pan, two saucepans, and a stockpot.Buy Now

Related Reading: A Comprehensive Guide to Cookware

Williams-Sonoma Round Hammered Wok with Ring, $29 on Williams-Sonoma

Williams Sonoma

Using a big wok takes a couple tries to get used to but once you do, it’s a ton of fun and makes cooking stir-fries a dream. This hammered wok with wood handle has a certain rustic charm, and the ring is key for newbies since a round wok doesn’t balance so well on most stovetops.Buy Now

T-fal Pre-Seasoned Nonstick Cast Iron Skillet, $24.99 on Amazon 

Amazon

This is a perfect starter skillet for cast iron newbies. It’s pre-seasoned so you don’t have to bother with that, and it’s just the right size to cook a few steaks, burgers, or chicken breasts without taking over your cookware storage. Nothing gets hotter and retains heat better than cast iron and it’s a joy to cook with.Buy Now

KitchenAid 3-Ply Copper 12-Inch Skillet, $38 on KitchenAid

Walmart

If you want that undeniable copper core precision (and cool copper look) but without the eye-popping price, KitchenAid has created a line of more affordable copper cookware and this 12-inch skillet would be a good place to start. Remember, copper cookware is an especially fickle yet fast conductor of heat and takes special attention, but many elite chefs swear by it.Buy Now

Staub Rectangular Baking Dish, $24-$69 on Food52

Sur La Table

Even if you’re not an avid baker you should have one quality baking dish in your cookware arsenal. It’s great for savory bakes too like au gratins and casseroles. This lovely Staub baker comes in matte black and a more classic white.Buy Now

All-Clad Stainless Steel Simmer/Saute Pan, $179.99 on Bed Bath & Beyond

Bloomingdale’s

This unique pot from fan-favorite All-Clad was designed specially for simmering soups and stews, though it would make a fine stir-fry pan (if not a little heavy) given its sloping sides which keep the contents inside.Buy Now

Lodge Cast Iron Cookware Set, $79.95 on Amazon

Amazon

Cooking with cast iron has a certain anachronistic charm but it also makes for extremely good eats. Though it may take longer to heat up, it holds heat longer than most other materials too, and seasoned cast iron cookware imparts a depth of flavor to food.Buy Now

Mauviel Copper Rondeau Pan, $398 on Bed Bath & Beyond

Bed Bath & Beyond

You’ll want to dig out one of those 20 percent off coupons for this bad boy. A true showstopper of a rondeau pan with Mauviel’s signature copper sheen.Buy Now

Le Creuset Essential 4.25-Quart Oven with Accessories, $199.95 on Sur La Table

Sur La Table

Le Creuset is known for its dazzling colors, perfect design, and durable products. This Dutch oven has a slightly flattened shape compared to other dutch ovens, and comes with two darling bowls and a ladle for serving your creations.Buy Now

All-Clad Stainless Steel Roasting Pan, $99.99 on Sur La Table

Sur La Tableoften

All-Clad is one of the cookware brands that comes up most with our readers. Beyond a sturdy construction, often from multi-ply reinforced and bonded metals, and reliable performance, it looks darn pretty great too. This roasting pan with rack is no exception and with the holidays fast approaching you’ll get plenty of use out of it still in 2019.Buy Now

Mauviel Copper Saute Pan, $200 on Crate & Barrel

Cutlery & More

Mauviel has been crafting some of the world’s best cookware since 1830, and their signature copper pots and pans are known the world over. This perfectly sized 10-inch pan is your new go-to for precision cooking. Copper take some special care and attention but pays you back handsomely if you use it right. Buy Now



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